CMI’s 2019 Annual Report: Advancing peace in challenging times

In 2019, CMI made 24 contributions to peace. Our work resulted in better peace processes, better peacemakers and better ways of building peace. We demonstrated how an independent organization can nudge official processes, actors and practices forward through informal means, despite apparent deadlocks.

In 2019, CMI’s work was implemented in a changing global context where the international peacemaking system was severly challenged. Sustained political pressures on multilateral organizations continued to stunt the ability of official representatives and the processes they oversee to prevent, mitigate, or resolve armed conflict. This trend, coupled with a rise in increasingly overt transactional foreign policies, undercut effective peace mediation processes.

In this context, CMI’s role as an independent conflict resolution organization has become increasingly important. In 2019, we made 24 contributions to peace across the globe, in countries such as Myanmar, Yemen, Ukraine, Burundi and Libya. Our work resulted in better peace processes, better peacemakers and better ways of building peace. In all of these cases, CMI has been able to demonstrate how an independent organization can nudge official processes, actors and practices forward through informal means, despite apparent deadlocks.

“CMI’s independence gives it space to act when official actors cannot. We can keep channels open between different stakeholders, build trust and provide safe spaces to discuss sensitive topics. All this is particularly important in times when international relations are at risk of becoming even more strained as a result of the coronavirus pandemic”, says Alexander Stubb, CMI’s chairman of the board.

Steady increase in requests for cooperation

CMI also played a role in advancing Finland’s development priorities through increased cooperation with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. Collaboration during Finland’s Presidency of the EU Council was a clear demonstration of trust and cooperation with mutual benefit. CMI’s amplified partnerships with Nordic actors, specifically Sweden and Norway, demonstrate that we are truly a Nordic organization. Equally, in 2019 we continued to demonstrate our added value in supporting the EU in promoting peace and stability.

In 2019, CMI had a total of 19 projects around the world. We were involved in 9 peace processes in 10 countries. Our work directly involved over 6500 beneficiaries in conflict areas. CMI aims to have 30 percent women representation in dialogue events – a target that CMI clearly exceeded in 2019, with an average of 41 percent across our work.

The number of requests that CMI receives for new or expanded cooperation has steadily increased during recent years. Last year we received 87 requests. Requests are a strong affirmation of the credibility of and trust in CMI’s work.

Read more in our Annual Report. The Annual Report has a new visual identity that celebrates our 20th anniversary.